01-18-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Rob Davidson asked if everyone was clear on what we're hoping to accomplish with the development of this plan: creation of a roadmap for growth and economic development; outlining new initiatives; and detailing what economic development tools we will have to use. Mayor Aplikowski added that this will give us tools to assist Arden Hills businesses with. Barton added that it will also provide an inventory of what's here, what we currently have to work with, and detail a plan to move forward. Ray McGraw added that it is important for all of us to know the history and commented that the district by Target needs a plan. He stated we need to visit with St. Paul Companies to see what their plans are for their property, as well. And that we need a plan for redevelopment city-wide. Bruce Kunkel stated that we need to focus on a two-pronged approach: an economic development plan and a business retention/outreach plan for the city. We need to let businesses know that we care before we ask them for more commitments to the City. Jim Paulet noted that we have 25,000 people coming into Arden Hills daily to work,but we only have 10,000 residents. Neighboring cities do not experience this. Mayor Aplikowski suggested that perhaps TCAAP needs to be developed as housing for these people that currently commute to work here. Bruce Kunkel inquired as to whether Bethel students had been included in the City's population counts. Barton said she would check into that and report back at the next meeting. Barton asked the group about the Schedule of Activities portion of the RFP. General consensus was for 30 days to respond to the RFP, with selection by April 15. Rob Davidson requested that Shardlow be included in the RFP distribution. Barton requested that if anyone had other recommendations to let her know so she could include them as well. Barton stated she would hold a pre-bid conference call with Kunkel and the Mayor shortly after the RFP's were mailed out. Kunkel requested that she email the EDC with the list of whom the RFP's are mailed to, and the date and time of the pre-bid conference call. VI. Business Retention and Outreach Dale Beane brought up the possibility of a business-oriented newsletter. Nancy Kneeland asked Beane is he would be willing to give the EDC a list of what is important to him as a business owner. The Mayor commented that outreach to businesses is critical. Rob Davidson added that it is important to have relationships with staff, and perhaps EDC members. And that Guidant should be contacted regularly. The Mayor stated that Land O'Lakes is getting a new President and it is to important that person be formally greeted and welcomed by someone from the City.